U.S. patent application number 17/289050 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for connector device.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED. Invention is credited to Masaki ISHIGURO, Yuichi KOREEDA, Hideto SHIMAZU.
Application Number | 20210405300 17/289050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005866710 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210405300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOREEDA; Yuichi ; et
al. |
December 30, 2021 |
CONNECTOR DEVICE
Abstract
This connector (100) is provided with a locking member (200), a
receiving part (192), an additional elastic part (420) and a
pressing member (440). The locking member (200) comprises a
supporting part (220) and a locking part (250). A mating-side
connector (600) is provided with a mating-side locking part (660)
and an abutting part (632). In the fitted state, the locking part
(250) applies backwards force on the mating-side locking part (660)
with the elasticity of the supporting part (220). The abutting part
(632) is positioned in front of the receiving part (192), is
pressed against the receiving part (192), and is restricted from
moving backwards by the receiving part (192). When the pressing
member (440) is in a first position, the additional elastic part
(420) is interposed between the supporting part (220) and the
pressing member (440), presses down the supporting part (220), and
maintains pressing of the locking part (250) against the
mating-side locking part (660). In this way, in the fitted state,
even when an outside force in the fitting direction is applied to
the connector (100) or the mating-side connector (600), the
connector (100) does not move in the fitting direction relative to
the mating-side connector (600).
Inventors: |
KOREEDA; Yuichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; SHIMAZU; Hideto; (Tokyo, JP) ; ISHIGURO;
Masaki; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS
INDUSTRY, LIMITED
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005866710 |
Appl. No.: |
17/289050 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
September 10, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2019/035523 |
371 Date: |
April 27, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/387 20130101;
G02B 6/3897 20130101; G02B 6/3817 20130101; G02B 6/389 20130101;
H01R 13/631 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38; H01R 13/631 20060101 H01R013/631 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 2018 |
JP |
2018-241233 |
Claims
1. A connector device comprising a connector and a mating connector
which is mateable with and removable from the connector along a
front-rear direction, wherein: in a mated state that the connector
and the mating connector are mated with each other, the mating
connector is positioned forward of the connector in the front-rear
direction; the connector comprises a locking member, a receiving
portion, an additional resilience portion and a retaining member;
the locking member has at least one supporting portion and at least
one locking portion; the supporting portion has resilience and
supports the locking portion; the locking portion is movable at
least in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the front-rear
direction owing to a resilient deformation of the supporting
portion; the mating connector comprises at least one mating locking
portion and an abutment portion; in the mating connector, relative
positions of the mating locking portion and the abutment portion in
the front-rear direction are fixed; at least one of the locking
portion and the mating locking portion has an intersecting surface
intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the
orthogonal direction; in the mated state, the mating locking
portion is positioned inward of the locking portion in the
orthogonal direction; in the mated state, the locking portion is
pressed against the mating locking portion in the intersecting
surface owing to the resilience of the supporting portion and
applies a rearward force in the front-rear direction to the mating
locking portion; in the mated state, the abutment portion is
positioned forward of the receiving portion in the front-rear
direction and brought into abutment with the receiving portion by
the rearward force so that rearward movement of the abutment
portion is regulated by the receiving portion so as not to be
beyond the receiving portion. the retaining member is located
outward of the locking member in the orthogonal direction and
attached to the locking member to be relatively movable with
respect to the locking member between a first position and a second
position in a movable direction orthogonal to both of the
front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction; the additional
resilience portion is located inward of the retaining member in the
orthogonal direction; when the retaining member is positioned in
the first position in the mated state, the additional resilience
portion lies between the supporting portion and the retaining
member and presses the supporting portion by applying an inward
force in the orthogonal direction to the supporting portion so as
to form a maintained state maintaining pressing of the locking
portion against the mating locking portion; and when the retaining
member is positioned in the second position in the mated state, the
additional resilience portion does not press the supporting portion
so that the maintained state is cancelled.
2. The connector device as recited in claim 1, wherein: the
orthogonal direction is any one of radial directions of an
imaginary circle having a center on an axis extending in the
front-rear direction; the movable direction is a circumferential
direction of the imaginary circle; and the retaining member is
attached to the locking member so as to be turnable in the
circumferential direction.
3. The connector device as recited in claim 2, wherein: the moving
direction of the retaining member from the first position to the
second position is a first turning direction; the moving direction
of the retaining member from the second position to the first
position is a second turning direction; the retaining member is
provided with a first regulated portion and a second regulated
portion; the locking member is provided with a first regulating
portion and a second regulating portion; when the retaining member
is positioned in the second position, the first regulating portion
is in contact with or faces the first regulated portion in the
second turning direction and regulates movement of the retaining
member so that the retaining member is not moved beyond the second
position in the first turning direction; and when the retaining
member is positioned in the first position, the second regulating
portion is in contact with or faces the second regulated portion in
the first turning direction and regulates movement of the retaining
member so that the retaining member is not moved beyond the first
position in the second turning direction.
4. The connector device as recited in claim 3, wherein the
connector device further comprises a holding mechanism to hold the
retaining member in the first position.
5. The connector device as recited in claim 4, wherein: the locking
member is provided with a regulating portion protruding outward in
the radial direction; the regulating portion has a first regulating
surface directed in the second turning direction, a second
regulating surface directed in the first turning direction and a
provisional regulating portion; the first regulating surface
functions as the first regulating portion; the second regulating
surface functions as the second regulating portion; the retaining
member is provided with an accommodation portion to accommodate the
regulating portion at least in part; the accommodation portion has
a first inner surface directed in the first turning direction and a
second inner surface directed to the second turning direction; the
first inner surface functions as the first regulated portion; the
second inner surface functions as the second regulated portion; the
holding mechanism is a protruding portion protruding inward in the
radial direction in the accommodation portion; and when the
retaining member is positioned in the first position, the
provisional regulating portion is in contact with or faces the
protruding portion in the first turning direction and provisionally
regulates movement of the retaining member in the first turning
direction.
6. The connector device as recited in claim 5, wherein: the
regulating portion is provided with a guide portion; and the guide
portion guides the protruding portion to be moved on the regulating
portion when the retaining member is moved from the second position
to the first position.
7. The connector device as recited in claim 5, wherein: the locking
member is further formed with a platform-shaped supporting portion;
and the platform-shaped supporting portion is juxtaposed with the
regulating portion in the front-rear direction.
8. The connector device as recited in claim 5, wherein: the locking
member is further provided with an additional supporting portion
and a third regulating portion; the additional supporting portion
has resilience and supports the third regulating portion; the third
regulating portion is movable at least in the radial direction
owing to resilient deformation of the additional supporting
portion; the additional supporting portion has an operated portion;
the retaining member is further provided with a third regulated
portion; the connector further comprises an operation member; the
operation member is attached to the retaining member to be movable
in the radial direction; when the retaining member is positioned in
the first position, the third regulating portion is in contact with
or faces the third regulated portion and regulates movement of the
retaining member in the first turning direction: when the retaining
member is positioned in the second position, the operation member
is apart from the operated portion in the circumferential
direction; when the retaining member is positioned in the first
position, the operation member is positioned outward of the
operated portion in the radial direction; and when the retaining
member is positioned in the first position, upon receiving an
inward force in the radial direction, the operation member presses
the operated portion and resiliently deforms the additional
supporting portion to move the third regulating portion inward in
the radial direction so that regulation of movement of the
retaining member in the first turning direction is released.
9. The connector device as recited in claim 8, wherein the
additional supporting portion is a resilient piece with a
cantilever-shape extending in the second turning direction.
10. The connector device as recited in claim 9, wherein: the
operation member has two leg portions located apart from each other
in the front-rear direction; the operation member is arranged to
extend over the additional supporting portion in the front-rear
direction; the locking member is provided with the leg
accommodation portions to accommodate the leg portions,
respectively, and to allow the leg portions to be moved when the
operation member is moved between the first position and the second
position; the leg accommodation portions are adjacent to the
additional supporting portion in the front-rear direction and
communicate with a space located inward of the additional
supporting portion in the radial direction; the locking member
further has a subsidiary resilient piece with a cantilever-shape
extending in the first turning direction; the subsidiary resilient
piece is located inward of the additional supporting portion in the
radial direction; and when the third regulating portion is moved
inward in the radial direction, the additional supporting portion
is brought into abutment with the subsidiary resilient piece.
11. The connector device as recited in claim 9, wherein the third
regulating portion is an extremity surface of the additional
supporting portion.
12. The connector device as recited in claim 9, wherein the
operation member is arranged so that at least a part of the
operation member is located outward of the additional supporting
portion in the radial direction.
13. The connector device as recited in claim 5, wherein: the
connector further comprises a connector body; the locking member
covers the connector body at least in part; the additional
resilience portion and the regulating portion are arranged apart
from each other in each of the circumferential direction and the
front-rear direction.
14. The connector device as recited in claim 13, wherein the
aforementioned additional resilience portion and the aforementioned
first regulated portion respectively comprise a plurality of
additional resilience portions, which are arranged at regular
intervals in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of
first regulated portions, which are arranged at regular intervals
in the circumferential direction.
15. The connector device as recited in claim 1, wherein: the
retaining member is provided with a fourth regulated portion and a
fifth regulated portion; the locking member is provided with a
fourth regulating portion and a fifth regulating portion; the
fourth regulating portion is in contact with or faces the fourth
regulated portion in the front-rear direction and regulates
rearward movement of the retaining member in the front-rear
direction; and the fifth regulating portion is in contact with or
faces the fifth regulated portion in the front-rear direction and
regulates forward movement of the retaining member in the
front-rear direction.
16. The connector device as recited in claim 1, wherein: the
additional resilience portion is formed to the locking member; and
the additional resilience portion is a spring extending like a
cantilever from the supporting portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a connector device having a
connector and a mating connector.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, Patent Document 1 discloses a
connector device 900 which is provided with a connector 910 and a
mating connector 950 which is mateable with and removable from the
connector 910 along a front-rear direction (an X-direction). The
connector 910 is provided with one locking hole 922, one locking
portion 924, one supporting portion 920, a
hood-portion-accommodation portion 926 and a front retainer 928.
The locking portion 924 is a surface directed rearward (a negative
X-direction) of the locking hole 922. The supporting portion 920
has resilience and supports the locking portion 924. The locking
portion 924 is movable in an orthogonal direction (a Z-direction)
orthogonal to the front-rear direction owing to resilient
deformation of the supporting portion 920. The
hood-portion-accommodation portion 926 is a space extending in the
front-rear direction. The mating connector 950 is provided with one
mating locking protrusion 960, one mating locking portion 962, a
hood portion 965 and a front retainer accommodation portion 968.
The mating locking portion 962 is a front surface (a positive
X-surface) of the mating locking protrusion 960.
[0003] A mating operation of the connector 910 and the mating
connector 950 is carried out as follows. Firstly, the connector 910
and the mating connector 950 are arranged as shown in FIG. 40.
Then, the connector 910 and the mating connector 950 are brought
close to each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, the
hood-portion-accommodation portion 926 of the connector 910
accommodates the hood portion 965 of the mating connector 950. At
this time, a front-end portion (a positive X-side end portion) of
the supporting portion 920 of the connector 910 is brought into
abutment with the mating locking protrusion 960 of the mating
connector 950 and rides on the mating locking protrusion 960 of the
mating connector 950 owing to the resilient deformation of the
supporting portion 920 of the connector 910. Here, upon further
bringing the connector 910 and the mating connector 950 close to
each other, the supporting portion 920 of the connector 910 returns
to an original shape, and the mating locking protrusion 960 of the
mating connector 950 is accommodated in the locking hole 922 of the
connector 910. In other words, the connector 910 and the mating
connector 950 are mated with each other and put into a mated state
shown in FIG. 41. Here, in the mated state that the connector 910
and the mating connector 950 are mated with each other, the mating
connector 950 is positioned forward (a positive X-direction) of the
connector 910 in the front-rear direction.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Document(s)
[0004] Patent Document 1: JPA 2002-198127
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] In the connector device 900 of Patent Document 1, even when
the connector 910 and the mating connector 950 are in the mated
state, there is a space 980 between a rear end 927 of the
hood-portion-accommodation portion 926 of the connector 910 and a
rear end 966 of the hood portion 965 of the mating connector 950 in
the front-rear direction or a mating direction, and there is a
space 990 between a front end 929 of the front retainer 928 of the
connector 910 and a front end 969 of the front retainer
accommodation portion 968 of the mating connector 950 in the mating
direction. Accordingly, if an external force in the mating
direction (the front-rear direction) is applied to the connector
910 or the mating connector 950 in the mated state of the connector
910 and the mating connector 950, the connector 910 is moved with
respect to the mating connector 950 in the mating direction (the
front-rear direction). Thus, the connector device 900 has a
possibility of deterioration of connection characteristics.
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a connector device in which a connector is not moved with respect
to a mating connector in a mating direction even if an external
force in the mating direction is applied to the connector or the
mating connector in a mated state that the connector and the mating
connector are mated with each other.
Solution to Problem
[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector
device comprising a connector and a mating connector which is
mateable with and removable from the connector along a front-rear
direction, wherein:
[0008] in a mated state that the connector and the mating connector
are mated with each other, the mating connector is positioned
forward of the connector in the front-rear direction;
[0009] the connector comprises a locking member, a receiving
portion, an additional resilience portion and a retaining
member;
[0010] the locking member has at least one supporting portion and
at least one locking portion;
[0011] the supporting portion has resilience and supports the
locking portion;
[0012] the locking portion is movable at least in an orthogonal
direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction owing to a
resilient deformation of the supporting portion;
[0013] the mating connector comprises at least one mating locking
portion and an abutment portion;
[0014] in the mating connector, relative positions of the mating
locking portion and the abutment portion in the front-rear
direction are fixed;
[0015] at least one of the locking portion and the mating locking
portion has an intersecting surface intersecting with both of the
front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction;
[0016] in the mated state, the mating locking portion is positioned
inward of the locking portion in the orthogonal direction;
[0017] in the mated state, the locking portion is pressed against
the mating locking portion in the intersecting surface owing to the
resilience of the supporting portion and applies a rearward force
in the front-rear direction to the mating locking portion;
[0018] in the mated state, the abutment portion is positioned
forward of the receiving portion in the front-rear direction and
brought into abutment with the receiving portion by the rearward
force so that rearward movement of the abutment portion is
regulated by the receiving portion so as not to be beyond the
receiving portion.
[0019] the retaining member is located outward of the locking
member in the orthogonal direction and attached to the locking
member to be relatively movable with respect to the locking member
between a first position and a second position in a movable
direction orthogonal to both of the front-rear direction and the
orthogonal direction;
[0020] the additional resilience portion is located inward of the
retaining member in the orthogonal direction;
[0021] when the retaining member is positioned in the first
position in the mated state, the additional resilience portion lies
between the supporting portion and the retaining member and presses
the supporting portion by applying an inward force in the
orthogonal direction to the supporting portion so as to form a
maintained state maintaining pressing of the locking portion
against the mating locking portion; and
[0022] when the retaining member is positioned in the second
position in the mated state, the additional resilience portion does
not press the supporting portion so that the maintained state is
cancelled.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0023] In the connector device of the present invention, the
locking portion of the connector applies a rearward force to the
mating locking portion of the mating connector in the mated state
of the connector and the mating connector. Owing to this rearward
force, the abutment portion of the mating connector is brought into
abutment with the receiving portion of the connector so that
rearward movement thereof beyond the receiving portion is regulated
by the receiving portion. Thus, the connector device of the present
invention is structured so that the connector is not moved with
respect to the mating connector even if the external force is
applied to the connector or the mating connector in the mating
state of the connector and the mating connector. Therefore, the
connector device of the present invention can supply stable
connection characteristics in the mated state of the connector and
the mating connector.
[0024] In particular, in the connector device of the present
invention, the retaining portion is attached to the locking member
so as to be located outward of the locking member in the orthogonal
direction and to be relationally movable between the first position
and the second position with respect to the locking member in the
movable direction orthogonal to both of the front-rear direction
and the orthogonal direction. With this structure, in the mated
state, when the retaining portion is positioned in the first
position, the additional resilience portion located inward of the
retaining portion in the orthogonal direction lies between the
supporting portion and the retaining portion and applies the inward
force in the orthogonal direction to the supporting portion to
press the supporting portion. This forms the maintained state that
maintains pressing of the locking portion against the mating
locking portion. Thus, the connector device of the present
invention can maintain the state that the locking portion is
pressed against the mating locking portion in the mated state
without a maintain means which is distinct and separated from the
connector and the mating connector and can supply more stable
connection characteristics.
[0025] An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention
and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by
studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and
by referring to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the
figure, a connector and a mating connector are not mated with each
other.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the connector device of FIG.
1.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A. In the figure, a part of
the connector and a part of the mating connector are shown on an
enlarged scale.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the connector device of FIG.
1.
[0030] FIG. 5 is another side view showing the connector device of
FIG. 4. In the figure, a retaining portion and a locking member
which are included in the connector of the connector device are
omitted.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the locking member
included in the connector of the connector device of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing the locking
member of FIG. 6.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view showing the locking
member of FIG. 7.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the retaining portion
included in the connector of the connector device of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 10 is another perspective view showing the retaining
portion of FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a cutaway perspective view showing the retaining
portion of FIG. 10.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 4, taken along line B-B.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 4, taken along line C-C.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 4, taken along line D-D.
[0040] FIG. 15 is another perspective view showing the connector
device of FIG. 1. In the figure, the connector and the mating
connector are in a first mated state. Moreover, in the figure, the
retaining portion of the connector is positioned in a second
position. Although a locking portion is pressed against a mating
locking portion of the mating connector, a maintaining mechanism of
the connector device does not press a supporting portion of the
locking member of the connector.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a rear view showing the connector device of FIG.
15.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 16, taken along line E-E. In the figure, a part of
the connector and a part of the mating connector are shown on an
enlarged scale.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a side view showing the connector device of FIG.
15.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 18, taken along line F-F.
[0045] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 18, taken along line G-G.
[0046] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 18, taken along line H-H.
[0047] FIG. 22 is yet another perspective view showing the
connector device of FIG. 1. In the figure, the connector and the
mating connector are in a second mated state. Moreover, in the
figure, the retaining portion of the connector is positioned in a
first position. The maintaining mechanism of the connector device
presses the supporting portion of the locking member of the
connector.
[0048] FIG. 23 is a rear view showing the connector device of FIG.
22.
[0049] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 23, taken along line I-I. In the figure, a part of
the connector and a part of the mating connector are shown on an
enlarged scale.
[0050] FIG. 25 is a side view showing the connector device of FIG.
22.
[0051] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 25, taken along line J-J.
[0052] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 25, taken along line K-K.
[0053] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 25, taken along line L-L.
[0054] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a connector device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the
figure, a connector and a mating connector are not mated with each
other.
[0055] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a locking member
included in the connector of the connector device of FIG. 29.
[0056] FIG. 31 is another perspective view showing the locking
member of FIG. 30.
[0057] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a retaining member
included in the connector of the connector device of FIG. 29.
[0058] FIG. 33 is another perspective view showing the retaining
member of FIG. 32.
[0059] FIG. 34 is yet another perspective view showing the
retaining member of FIG. 32.
[0060] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the connector of the
connector device of FIG. 29. In the figure, the retaining member
included in the connector is omitted.
[0061] FIG. 36 is a rear view showing the connector of FIG. 35.
[0062] FIG. 37 is a side view showing the connector of FIG. 35. In
the figure, an operation member included in the connector is shown
on an enlarged scale.
[0063] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 29. A position of the cross-section corresponds to
that of the cross-section in FIG. 19. In the figure, the connector
and the mating connector are in a first mated state. Moreover, in
the figure, the retaining member is positioned in a second
position.
[0064] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector
device of FIG. 29. A position of the cross-section corresponds to
that of the cross-section in FIG. 26. In the figure, the connector
and the mating connector are in a second mated state. Moreover, in
the figure, the retaining member is positioned in a first
position.
[0065] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector device
of Patent Document 1. In the figure, a connector and a mating
connector which are included in the connector device are not mated
with each other.
[0066] FIG. 41 is another cross-sectional view showing the
connector device of FIG. 40. In the figure, the connector and the
mating connector are mated with each other.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0067] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by
way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and
detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
First Embodiment
[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, a connector device 10 according to an
embodiment of the present invention is provided with a mating
connector 600 and a connector 100. In other words, the mating
connector 600 of the present embodiment is used in the connector
device 10. Moreover, the connector 100 of the present embodiment is
used in the connector device 10.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1, 15 and 22, the mating connector 600
according to the present embodiment is mateable with and removable
from the connector 100 along a front-rear direction. In the present
embodiment, the front-rear direction is an X-direction. A positive
X-direction is directed forward while a negative X-direction is
directed rearward.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, the mating connector 600 according to
the present embodiment is provided with a mating connector body 610
and fixing screws 670.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating connector body 610 of the
present embodiment has a mating shell 630, a connector
accommodation portion 680 and a mating electric connector 612.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the mating shell 630 of the present
embodiment is attached to a case 800 when the connector device 10
is used. In more detail, the mating shell 630 attached to an outer
surface of the case 800 with the fixing screws 670 when the
connector device 10 is used.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating shell 630 of the present
embodiment has a mating shell body 631 and a mating projecting
portion 640.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating shell body 631 of the present
embodiment extends from the inside to the outside of the case 800
in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the mating shell
body 631 is attached to the case 800 with the fixing screws 670 so
that a rear end part thereof is positioned outside the case
800.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating shell body 631 of the present
embodiment is formed with an abutment portion 632. In other words,
the mating shell 630 of the present embodiment is formed with the
abutment portion 632. The abutment portion 632 is a surface
orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed rearward in the
front-rear direction.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, the mating projecting portion 640 of the
present embodiment has an approximately cylindrical shape having a
central axis coincident with an axis AX extending in the front-rear
direction. The mating projecting portion 640 is located rearward of
the mating shell body 631 in the front-rear direction. The mating
projecting portion 640 is provided so as to be located outside of
the case 800 when the mating shell 630 is attached to the case 800.
As shown in FIG. 3, the mating projecting portion 640 is located
outward of the abutment portion 632 of the mating shell body 631 in
an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. In
other words, the abutment portion 632 of the mating shell body 631
extends inward in the orthogonal direction from the mating
projecting portion 640. In the present embodiment, the orthogonal
direction is any one of radial directions of an imaginary circle
having a center on the axis AX in a plane orthogonal to the axis
AX.
[0077] As understood from FIGS. 1 and 4, the mating projecting
portion 640 of the present embodiment has a plurality of depressed
portions 650 and a plurality of bulge portions 645 which correspond
to the depressed portions 650, respectively. In other words, the
mating connector 600 of the present embodiment has a plurality of
sets each of which consists of the depressed portion 650 and the
bulge portion 645. In the present embodiment, the sets of the
depressed portions 650 and the bulge portions 645 are four in
number. In the present embodiment, the depressed portions 650 have
the same shape and the same size, and the bulge portions 645 have
the same shape and the same size. Each of the bulge portions 645 is
located at a rear part of the depressed portion 650 corresponding
thereto. The sets of the depressed portions 650 and the bulge
portions 645 are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential
direction R of the imaginary circle having the center on the axis
AX. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The
depressed portions 650 or the bulge portions 645 do not necessarily
have the same size in the circumferential direction R about the
axis AX. Moreover, the sets of the depressed portions 650 and the
bulge portions 645 are not necessarily arranged at regular
intervals. Furthermore, at least one set of the depressed portion
650 and the bulge portion 645 is required. In addition, the
depressed portion 650 and the bulge portion 645 may be formed so as
to surround an entire periphery of the mating projecting portion
640. For example, giving different sizes to the depressed portions
650 or arranging the depressed portions 650 at unequal intervals
can prevent the connector 100 and the mating connector 600 from
being mated with each other incorrectly. However, when the
depressed portions 650 are arranged at regular intervals, the
connector 100 and the mating connector 600 achieve better balance
in a mated state.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the depressed portions 650 of
the present embodiment opens outward in the orthogonal direction.
In other words, the depressed portion 650 is depressed inward in
the orthogonal direction. The depressed portion 650 forms, in part,
an outer surface of the mating projecting portion 640 in the
orthogonal direction. A front end of the depressed portion 650 is
coupled to the mating shell body 631 in the front-rear
direction.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the depressed portions 650 of
the present embodiment has a front surface 658 and a bottom surface
652. The front surface 658 consists of a surface orthogonal to the
front-rear direction and directed rearward and a surface directed
outward in the orthogonal direction and rearward in the front-rear
direction. The front surface 658 is located forward of the bottom
surface 652 in the front-rear direction. The bottom surface 652 is
orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and directed outward in the
orthogonal direction. The bottom surface 652 forms, in part, a
cylindrical surface having a central axis coincident with the axis
AX. The bottom surface 652 is located forward of the bulge portion
645 in the front-rear direction. The bottom surface 652 is located
between the front surface 658 and the bulge portion 645 in the
front-rear direction.
[0080] As understood from FIG. 3, each of the bulge portions 645
protrudes in the orthogonal direction at the rear part of the
depressed portion 650 corresponding thereto. A size of the bulge
portion 645 in the orthogonal direction is smaller than a size
(depth) of the depressed portion 650 in the orthogonal direction.
The bulge portion 645 defines, in part, a rear end of the mating
projecting portion 640 in the front-rear direction. In other words,
the bulge portion 645 defines, in part, a rear end of the mating
shell 630 in the front-rear direction. The bulge portion 645 is
tapered rearward.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the bulge portions 645 of the
present embodiment has an outer surface 647 and an end face
662.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer surface 647 of the present
embodiment is a surface orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and
directed outward in the orthogonal direction. The outer surface 647
is located outward of the bottom surface 652 of the depressed
portion 650 in the orthogonal direction.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the end face 662 of the present
embodiment is directed outward in the orthogonal direction and
forward in the front-rear direction. In other word, the end face
662 is an intersecting surface 662 intersecting with both of the
front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. The end face 662
is also a rear surface 662 defining, in part, a rear end of the
depressed portion 650 corresponding thereto.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 3, the bulge portion 645 of the present
embodiment is provided with a mating locking portion 660. In other
words, the mating locking portion 660 of the present embodiment is
provided to the bulge portion 645. The mating locking portion 660
is provided to a front part of the bulge portion 645.
[0085] As described above, in the present embodiment, the mating
connector 600 is provided with the mating connector body 610, the
mating shell body 631 is formed with the abutment portion 632, and
the bulge portion 645 is provided with the mating locking portion
660. In other words, the mating connector 600 according to the
present embodiment is provided with the mating connector body 610,
the mating locking portion 660 and the abutment portion 632.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mating
connector 600 should be provided with at least one mating locking
portion 660 and an abutment portion 632.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, in the mating connector 600 of the
present embodiment, relative positions of the mating locking
portion 660 and the abutment portion 632 in the front-rear
direction are fixed. In more detail, in the mating connector 600 of
the present embodiment, the mating locking portion 660 is located
rearward of the abutment portion 632 in the front-rear direction,
and the mating locking portion 660 and the abutment portion 632 are
fixed so as to be located apart from each other at a distance D in
the front-rear direction.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating locking portion 660 of the
present embodiment has the intersecting surface 662 intersecting
with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal
direction.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the intersecting surface 662 of the
mating locking portion 660 of the present embodiment is directed
outward in the orthogonal direction and forward in the front-rear
direction. The intersecting surface 662 of the mating locking
portion 660 is also the end face 662 of the bulge portion 645. In
other words, the intersecting surface 662 of the mating locking
portion 660 is one surface of the bulge portion 645.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 3, the connector accommodation portion 680
of the present embodiment is a space extending forward from a rear
end of the mating connector body 610 and has an opening portion 682
at the rear end.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating electric connector 612 of the
present embodiment is fixed on a circuit board 810 disposed in the
case 800 when the connector device 10 is used.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, the mating electric connector 612 of the
present embodiment has a mating terminal 700. In other words, the
mating connector 600 of the present embodiment has the mating
terminal 700. The mating terminal 700 of the present embodiment is
made of metal.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 1, 15 and 22, the connector 100 of the
present embodiment is mateable with and removable from the mating
connector 600 along the front-rear direction.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 3, the connector 100 of the present
embodiment is provided with a connector body 150, a locking member
200 and a retaining member 440.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, the connector body 150 of the present
embodiment is provided with a holding member 180, an optical
connector 300 and an optical module 170.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the holding member 180 of the
present embodiment is made of electrical insulator and has an
insertion portion 181, a protruding portion 190, protrusions 183,
front-rear-movement-regulating portions 160 and an
optical-module-accommodation portion 187. In other words, the
connector body 150 of the present embodiment is provided with the
front-rear-movement-regulating portions 160.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the insertion portion 181 of the
present embodiment extends in the front-rear direction and defines
a front end of the holding member 180.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 3, the protruding portion 190 of the
present embodiment protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the
front-rear direction. The protruding portion 190 is located
rearward of the insertion portion 181 in the front-rear direction.
The protruding portion 190 is located outward of the insertion
portion 181 in the orthogonal direction. The protruding portion 190
has a front surface 192 directed forward in the front-rear
direction. The front surface 192 of the protruding portion 190 is a
surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed forward
in the front-rear direction. The front surface 192 of the
protruding portion 190 functions as a receiving portion 192. In
other words, the connector 100 is provided with the receiving
portion 192.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the protrusions 183 of the
present embodiment protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the protrusion 183 is located rearward
of the protruding portion 190 in the front-rear direction. The
protrusion 183 is located outward of the protruding portion 190 in
the orthogonal direction. The protrusion 183 has a rear surface
160. The rear surface 160 of the protrusion 183 is a surface
orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed rearward in the
front-rear direction. The rear surface 160 of the protrusion 183
functions as the front-rear-movement-regulating portion 160.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical connector 300 of the present
embodiment connects an optical fiber cable 750 and the optical
module 170 to each other. In other words, the optical connector 300
is attached to the optical fiber cable 750, and the optical
connector 300 is formed so as to be attachable to and detachable
from the optical module 170.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical module 170 of the present
embodiment has a photoelectric conversion portion (not shown) and
an electric connector 174. The photoelectric conversion portion
converts optical signals and electric signals to each other between
the optical connector 300 and the electric connector 174.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 3, the electric connector 174 of the
present embodiment inputs and outputs the electric signals to the
photoelectric conversion portion (not shown). The electric
connector 174 of the present embodiment has a terminal 500. In
other words, the connector 100 of the present embodiment has the
terminal 500. The terminal 500 of the present embodiment is made of
metal.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking member 200 of the present
embodiment is attached to the connector body 150. In more detail,
the locking member 200 is attached outward of the holding member
180 of the connector body 150 in the orthogonal direction. In other
words, the locking member 200 covers the connector body 150 at
least in part. Since the locking member 200 is formed so as to
cover the connector body 150, increase of a size of the connector
100 in the direction of the axis AX, which is brought by providing
the locking member 200, can be avoided.
[0103] As understood from FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the locking member 200
of the present embodiment has a sidewall 205, a plurality of slits
210, a plurality of supporting portions 220, a plurality of
projecting portions 240, a plurality of locking portions 250, a
plurality of additional resilience portions 420 and a plurality of
front-rear-movement-regulated portions 270. In other words, the
locking member 200 of the present embodiment has the supporting
portions 220, the locking portions 250 and the additional
resilience portions 420. Moreover, the locking member 200 of the
present embodiment is provided with the
front-rear-movement-regulated portions 270. In more detail, the
locking member 200 of the present embedment has eight slits 210,
four supporting portions 220, four projecting portions 240, four
additional resilience portions 420 and four
front-rear-movement-regulated portions 270. It should be noted that
the projecting portions 240 correspond to the depressed portions
650 of the mating projecting portion 640, respectively, and the
number and arrangement of them depend on the number and arrangement
of the depressed portions 650.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the sidewall 205 of the
present embodiment has an approximately cylindrical shape having a
central axis coincident with the axis AX.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, each of the slits 210 of the
present embodiment is a groove extending rearward from a front end
of the sidewall 205 of the locking member 200. In more detail, the
slit 210 pierces the sidewall 205 of the locking member 200 in the
orthogonal direction. Moreover, the slit 210 does not reach a rear
end of the sidewall 205 of the locking member 200. The eight slits
210 of the present embodiment are divided into four slit pairs 212
each of which consist of two of the slits 210.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the supporting portions 220 of
the present embodiment are parts of the sidewall 205, which has the
approximately cylindrical shape, of the locking member 200. In more
detail, the four supporting portions 220 correspond to the slit
pairs 212, respectively, and each of the supporting portions 220 is
located between the slits of the slit pair 212 corresponding
thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
Moreover, the supporting portions 220 are arranged at regular
intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The
supporting portions 220 have resilience and support the locking
portions 250.
[0107] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, each of the projecting
portions 240 of the present embodiment protrudes inward from the
supporting portion 220 in the orthogonal direction. In other words,
the connector 100 of the present embodiment has the projecting
portion 240 protruding inward from the supporting portion 220 in
the orthogonal direction. The projecting portion 240 is located at
a front end of the supporting portion 220. The projecting portion
240 is tapered forward.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, each of the projecting
portions 240 of the present embodiment has an inner surface 242 and
the locking portion 250. In other words, the projecting portion 240
is provided with the locking portion 250.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 242 of the present
embodiment is a curved surface orthogonal to the orthogonal
direction and directed inward in the orthogonal direction.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 250 of the present
embodiment is located at a rear end of the projecting portion 240
in the front-rear direction.
[0111] As understood from FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8, the locking portions
250 of the present embodiment are supported by the supporting
portions 220, respectively. The locking portions 250 are arranged
at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the
axis AX. Each of the locking portions 250 of the present embodiment
is movable in the orthogonal direction owing to resilient
deformation of the supporting portion 220. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. The locking portion 250 should be
movable at least in the orthogonal direction owing to the resilient
deformation of the supporting portion 220.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the locking portions 250 has an
intersecting surface 252 intersecting with both of the front-rear
direction and the orthogonal direction. Since the mating locking
portion 660 has the intersecting surface 662 as described above,
the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662 are provided to the locking
portion 250 and the mating locking portion 660, respectively. The
intersecting surface 252 of the locking portion 250 is directed
inward in the orthogonal direction and rearward in the front-rear
direction. In more detail, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, all of the
intersecting surfaces 252 of the locking portions 250 are parts of
a common conical surface having a central axis coincident with the
axis AX.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, each of the additional
resilience portions 420 of the present embodiment is a spring
extending from the supporting portion 220 like a cantilever.
[0114] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, each of the additional resilience
portions 420 of the present embodiment has a connection portion
422, a chamfer 424 and a pressed portion 423.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 3, the connection portion 422 is connected
to the supporting portion 220. The connection portion 422 is
located outward of the locking portion 250 in the orthogonal
direction.
[0116] As understood from FIG. 6, the chamfer 424 of the present
embodiment is provided on a front-end portion of the additional
resilience portion 420. The chamfer 424 is parallel to the
front-rear direction and intersects with the orthogonal direction.
In more detail, the chamfer 424 is directed outward in the
orthogonal direction and directed in one direction (a first turning
direction) of the circumferential direction R about the axis
AX.
[0117] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressed portion 423 of the
present embodiment is a flat surface having its part orthogonal to
the orthogonal direction and directed outward in the orthogonal
direction. The pressed portion 423 is located at the front-end
portion of the additional resilience portion 420. Moreover, the
pressed portion 423 is adjacent to the chamfer 424 corresponding
thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In
more detail, the pressed portion 423 is located, in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX, on an opposite side
in the direction in which the chamfer 424 is directed.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the front-rear-movement
regulated portions 270 of the present embodiment is located inward
of the sidewall 205 of the locking member 200 in the orthogonal
direction. The front-rear-movement regulated portion 270 is a
surface directed forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to
FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8, the front-rear-movement-regulated portion 270
is located rearward of the front-rear-movement-regulating portion
160 of the holding member 180 of the connector body 150 in the
front-rear direction.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the locking member 200 is further
provided with a plurality of regulating portions 280 each of which
protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. In the present
embodiment, the regulating portions 280 are four in number. The
regulating portions 280 are arranged at regular intervals in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the
regulating portions 280 are arranged apart from the additional
resilience portions 420 in the front-rear direction and apart from
the additional resilience portions 420 in the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX. According to this structure,
production of the locking member 200 using molding can be carried
out easily.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, each of the regulating portions
280 has a first regulating surface 282, a second regulating surface
284 and a front surface 286. The first regulating surface 282
extends in the front-rear direction and is directed in a second
turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis
AX. The second turning direction is a clockwise direction when the
locking member 200 is viewed from behind in the front-rear
direction. The second regulating surface 284 extends in the
front-rear direction and is directed in the first turning direction
of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The first
turning direction is a counter clockwise direction when the locking
member 200 is viewed from behind in the front-rear direction. The
front surface 286 extends in the circumferential direction R about
the axis AX and is directed forward in the front-rear direction. As
described later, the first regulating surface 282 functions as a
first regulating portion 282, and the second regulating surface 284
functions as a second regulating portion 284. Moreover, the front
surface 286 functions as a fourth regulating portion 286. In other
words, the locking member 200 is provided with the first regulating
portion 282, the second regulating portion 284 and the fourth
regulating portion 286.
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the regulating portions
280 further has a provisional regulating portion 288. In the
present embodiment, the provisional regulating portion 288 is a
part of the first regulating surface 282. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. The provisional regulating
portion 288 may be provided separately from the first regulating
surface 282.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the regulating portions
280 is provided with a guide portion 290. In the present
embodiment, the guide portion 290 is adjacent to the second
regulating surface 284 and is a depressed portion depressed inward
in the orthogonal direction.
[0123] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the locking member 200 is further
formed with a plurality of platform-shaped supporting portions 292
each of which protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. In the
present embodiment, the platform-shaped supporting portions 292 are
four in number. The platform-shaped supporting portions 292
correspond to the regulating portions 280, respectively, and each
of them is contiguous to the regulating portion 280 corresponding
thereto. Each of the platform-shaped supporting portions 292 has a
pair of side surfaces 294 and 296. One of them, the side surface
294, forms a flat surface together with the first regulating
surface 282 of the regulating portion 280 corresponding thereto.
The remaining one, the side surface 296, is located, in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX, outward of the
second regulating surface 284 of the regulating portion 280
corresponding thereto.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the locking member 200 is further
formed with protruding portions 310 each of which protrudes outward
in the orthogonal direction. The protruding portions 310 are
provided at a front-end portion of the locking member 200 in the
front-rear direction. Each of the protruding portions 310 is
orthogonal to the front-rear direction and has a rear surface 312
directed rearward in the front-rear direction. As described later,
the rear surface 312 functions as a fifth regulating portion 312.
Thus, the locking member 200 is further provided with the fifth
regulating portion 312.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking member 200 is located inward
of the retaining member 440 in the orthogonal direction. In other
words, the retaining member 440 is located outward of the locking
member 200 in the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment,
the retaining member 440 covers the retaining member 440 entirely
in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, each of the additional
resilience portions 420 of the locking member 200 is located inward
of the retaining member 440 in the orthogonal direction. The
retaining member 440 is attached to the locking member 200 so as to
be movable with respect to the locking member 200 between a first
position and a second position in a movable direction perpendicular
to both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction.
In the present embodiment, the movable direction of the retaining
member 440 coincides with the circumferential direction R about the
axis AX. In other words, the retaining member 440 is attached to
the locking member 200 so as to be turnable in the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX. In the present embodiment, the
movable direction of the retaining member 440 from the first
position to the second position is the first turning direction.
Moreover, the movable direction of the retaining member 440 from
the second position to the first position is the second turning
direction.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the retaining member 440 of the
present embodiment has an approximately cylinder shape having a
center on the axis AX. The retaining member 440 has a plurality of
additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions 442, a
plurality of inclined surfaces 444 and a plurality of pressing
portions 446. In more detail, the retaining member 440 has four
additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions 442, four
inclined surfaces 444 and four pressing portions 446. Here, the
four additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions 442
correspond to the four additional resilience portions 420 of the
locking member 200, respectively. Moreover, the four
additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions 442 correspond
to the four inclined surfaces 444, respectively. Furthermore, the
four inclined surfaces 444 correspond to the four pressing portions
446, respectively.
[0127] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, each of the
additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions 442 of the
present embodiment is a space extending rearward from a front end
of the retaining member 440. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 21, when the
retaining member 440 is positioned in the second position, the
additional resilience portions 420 of the locking member 200 are
accommodated in the additional-resilience-portion-accommodation
portions 442.
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, each of the pressing portions 446
of the present embodiment is a flat surface including its part
perpendicular to the orthogonal direction and directed inward in
the orthogonal direction. The pressing portion 446 is located at a
front-end portion of the retaining member 440. In the orthogonal
direction, the pressing portion 446 is located inward of the
additional-resilience-portion accommodation portion 442.
[0129] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the inclined surface 444 of the
present embodiment is located between the
additional-resilience-portion accommodation portion 442
corresponding thereto and the pressing portion 446 corresponding
thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The
inclined surface 444 is in parallel to the front-rear direction and
intersects with the orthogonal direction. In more detail, the
inclined surface 444 is directed inward in the orthogonal direction
and directed in the second turning direction of the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX.
[0130] As described above, in the present embodiment, the locking
member 200 of the connector 100 has the additional resilience
portions 420, and the connector 100 has the retaining member 440.
In other words, the connector device 10 further has a maintaining
mechanism 400 provided with the additional resilience portions 420
and the retaining member 440.
[0131] Moreover, as described above, in the present embodiment, the
locking member 200 has the plurality of the supporting portions
220, each of the projecting portions 240 of the locking member 200
is provided with the locking portion 250, and the connector 100 is
provided with the receiving portion 192. In other words, the
connector 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the
plurality of the supporting portions 220, the plurality of the
locking portions 250 and the receiving portion 192. In more detail,
the connector 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the
four supporting portions 220, the four locking portions 250 and the
receiving portion 192. It should be noted that the present
invention is not limited thereto. The connector 100 should be
provided at least one supporting portion 220, at least one locking
portion 250 and a receiving portion 192.
[0132] Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 11, the retaining member 440
is further provided with a plurality of
regulating-portion-accommodation portions (accommodation portions)
450. In the present embodiment, the retaining member 440 is
provided with four regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450.
The regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450 correspond to the
regulating portions 280 of the locking member 200, respectively.
Accordingly, the regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450 are
arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R
about the axis AX and arranged in the approximately middle of the
retaining member 440 in the front-rear direction. Each of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450 accommodates the
regulating portion 280 corresponding thereto.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the retaining member 440 is
further provided with a plurality of
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions 480. The
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions 480
correspond to the regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450,
respectively. Each of the
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions 480 is
located rearward of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion
450 corresponding thereto in the front-rear direction and
communicates with the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450
corresponding thereto. Each of the
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions 480
accommodates the platform-shaped-supporting portion 292
corresponding thereto.
[0134] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, each of the
regulating-portion-accommodation-portions 450 has a first inner
surface (a first regulated portion) 452 and a second inner surface
(a second regulated portion) 454. Moreover, each of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450 has a front surface
456 extending in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
The first inner surface 452 is directed in the first turning
direction, and the second inner surface 454 is directed in the
second turning direction. Moreover, the front surface 456 is
directed rearward in the front-rear direction. Since the
regulating-portion-accommodation portions 450 are arranged at
regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis
AX, the first inner surfaces 452 are arranged at regular intervals
in the circumferential direction R in the present embodiment.
Similarly, the second inner surfaces 454 are also arranged in
regular intervals in the circumferential direction R.
[0135] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, each of the
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions 480 has a
pair of inner side surfaces 482 and 484 extending in the front-rear
direction. One of them, the inner side surface 482, is directed in
the first turning direction of the circumferential direction R
about the axis AX, and the remaining one, the inner side surface
484, is directed in the second turning direction of the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the inner
side surface 482 forms the same surface as the first inner surface
452 of the regulating-portion accommodation portion 450
corresponding thereto. On the other hand, the inner side surface
484 is located outward of the second inner surface 454 of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 corresponding thereto
in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
[0136] As understood from FIGS. 13, 20 and 27, a size of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 is larger than a size
of the regulating portion 280 in the circumferential direction R
about the axis AX. Moreover, as understood from FIGS. 12, 19 and
26, a size of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation
portion 480 is larger than a size of the platform-shaped-supporting
portion 292. Accordingly, the regulating portion 280 can relatively
move in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX, and the
platform-shaped-supporting portion 292 can relatively move in the
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 480.
[0137] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, when the retaining member 440
is positioned in the second position, the first inner surface 452
of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 is in contact
with or faces the first regulating surface (the first regulating
portion) 282 in the first turning direction. Then, the first
regulating surface 282 functions as the first regulating portion
282 which regulates movement of the retaining member 440 so that
the retaining member 440 is not moved beyond the second position in
the first turning direction. At this time, the first inner surface
452 functions as the first regulated portion 452. In other words,
the retaining member 440 is provided with the first regulated
portions 452.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 27, when the retaining member 440 is
positioned in the first position, the second inner surface 454 of
the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 is in contact with
or faces the second regulating surface (the second regulating
portion) 284 in the second turning direction. Then, the second
regulating surface 284 functions as the second regulating portion
284 which regulates movement of the retaining member 440 so that
the retaining member 440 is not moved beyond the first position in
the second turning direction. At this time, the second inner
surface 454 functions as the second regulated portion 454. In other
words, the retaining member 440 is provided with the second
regulated portions 454.
[0139] As understood from FIGS. 6 to 11, the front surface 456 of
the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 is in contact with
or faces the front surface 286 of the regulating portion 280
corresponding thereto. Then, rearward movement of the front surface
456 of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 in the
front-rear direction is regulated by the front surface (the fourth
regulating portion) 286 of the regulating portion 280. In other
words, the front surface 456 of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 is in contact with or
faces the fourth regulating portion 286 in the front-rear
direction, and thereby rearward movement of the retaining member
440 in the front-rear direction is regulated. In this way, the
front surface 286 of the regulating portion 280 functions as the
fourth regulating portion 286 which regulates the rearward movement
of the retaining member 440 in the front-rear direction. At this
time, the front surface 456 of the regulating-portion-accommodation
portion 450 functions as a fourth regulated portion 456, wherein
the movement of the fourth regulated portion 456 is regulated by
the fourth regulating portion 286. In other words, the retaining
member 440 is provided with the fourth regulated portion 456.
[0140] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the retaining member 440 has
protruding portions 458 each of which protrudes inward in the
orthogonal direction in the regulating-portion-accommodation
portion 450 corresponding thereto. Each of the protruding portions
458 temporarily regulates movement of the regulating portion 280
(see FIGS. 6 to 8) in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion
450. In detail, when the retaining member 440 is positioned in the
first position, the protruding portion 458 is in contact with or
faces the provisional regulating portion 288 in the first turning
direction as shown in FIG. 27. In other words, when the retaining
member 440 is positioned in the first position, the provisional
regulating portion 288 is in contact with or faces the protruding
portion 458 in the second turning direction. Accordingly, movement
of the retaining member 440 in the first turning direction is
temporarily regulated by the provisional regulating portion 288. At
this time, the protruding portion 458 functions as a holding
mechanism 458 which holds the retaining member 440 in the first
position. Thus, the connector device 10 is provided with the
holding mechanism 458 to hold the retaining member 440 at the first
position.
[0141] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the retaining member 440 is
further provided with a plurality of grooves 460 each of which
extends in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In
the present embodiment, the retaining member 440 is formed with
four grooves 460. The grooves 460 are formed in the front-end
portion of the retaining member 440 and arranged at regular
intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
Moreover, each of the grooves 460 opens forward in the front-rear
direction and has a rear surface 462 directed forward in the
front-rear direction. The rear surface 462 extends in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX and is directed
forward in the front-rear direction.
[0142] As understood from FIGS. 6 to 11, the grooves 460 correspond
to the protruding portions 310 of the locking member 200,
respectively. Each of the grooves 460 accommodates the protruding
portion 310 corresponding thereto. At this time, the rear surface
462 of the groove 460 is in contact with or faces the rear surface
312 of the protruding portion 310. The rear surface 462 of the
groove 460 functions as a fifth regulated portion 462, wherein
forward movement of the fifth regulated portion 462 is regulated by
the protruding portion 310 in the front-rear direction. Moreover,
the rear surface 312 of the protruding portion 310 functions as the
fifth regulating portion 312. As just described, the retaining
member 440 is provided with the fifth regulated portion 462. The
fifth regulated portion 462 is in contact with or faces the fifth
regulating portion 312 in the front-rear direction, and thereby
forward movement of the retaining member 440 in the front-rear
direction is regulated.
Mating Operation
[0143] A mating operation of the connector 100 and the mating
connector 600 in the connector device 10 of the present embodiment
will be described in detail in the following.
[0144] Firstly, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector 100 and the
mating connector 600 are arranged to face each other in the
front-rear direction so that a front end of the insertion portion
181 of the holding member 180 of the connector body 150 of the
connector 100 faces the opening portion 682 of the connector
accommodation portion 680 of the mating connector body 610 of the
mating connector 600. After that, the connector 100 or the mating
connector 600 is moved so that the connector 100 and the mating
connector 600 becomes close to each other.
[0145] Thereupon, front ends of the projecting portions 240 of the
locking member 200 of the connector 100 are brought into contact
with rear ends of the bulge portions 645 of the mating projecting
portion 640 of the mating shell 630 of the mating connector body
610 of the mating connector 600, respectively, and the supporting
portions 220 of the locking member 200 of the connector 100 are
resiliently deformed to move the projecting portions 240 outward in
the orthogonal directions, respectively.
[0146] Next, the connector 100 or the mating connector 600 is
further moved so that the connector 100 and the mating connector
600 become closer to each other. Thereupon, the projecting portions
240 of the connector 100 run onto the bulge portions 645 of the
mating connector 600, respectively. In other words, the inner
surfaces 242 of the projecting portions 240 of the connector 100
are brought into contact with the outer surfaces 647 of the bulge
portions 645 of the mating connector 600, respectively.
[0147] Subsequently, the connector 100 or the mating connector 600
is moved so that the connector 100 and the mating connector 600
become further close to each other in the front-rear direction.
Thereupon, each of the projecting portions 240 of the connector 100
is moved inward in the orthogonal direction, and the connector 100
and the mating connector 600 come into a first mated state (mated
state) shown in FIGS. 15 to 18. At this time, in the first mated
state in which the connector 100 and the mating connector 600 are
mated with each other, the mating connector 600 is positioned
forward of the connector 100 in the front-rear direction.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 17, in this first mated state, the
insertion portion 181 of the connector 100 is accommodated in the
connector accommodation portion 680 of the mating connector
600.
[0149] Moreover, in this first mated state, each of the depressed
portions 650 of the mating projecting portion 640 of the mating
shell 630 of the mating connector body 610 of the mating connector
600 receives the corresponding projecting portion 240 of the
connector 100 at least in part, and the intersecting surface 662 of
the mating locking portion 660 of the bulge portion 645 is located
rearward of the projecting portion 240 as understood from FIG. 17.
Here, although each of the projecting portions 240 of the connector
100 is in contact with the depressed portion 650 of the mating
connector 600 via the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662, the inner
surface 242 of the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is
not in contact with the bottom surface 652 of the depressed portion
650 of the mating connector 600 in the orthogonal direction. And, a
front end of the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is not
in contact with the front surface 658 of the depressed portion 650
of the mating connector 600 in the front-rear direction. In other
words, the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is in
contact with the depressed portion 650 of the mating connector 600
only via the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662. In addition, each
of the supporting portions 220 of the connector 100 is not in
contact with the outer surface 647 of the bulge portion 645 of the
mating connector 600 in the orthogonal direction.
[0150] Furthermore, in this first mated state, each of the
supporting portions 220 of the connector 100 does not return to an
original shape shown in FIG. 3 but remains resiliently deformed.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, the receiving portion 192 of the
connector 100 and the abutment portion 632 of the mating shell 630
of the mating connector body 610 of the mating connector 600 are in
contact with each other.
[0151] In more detail, in this first mated state, each of the
mating locking portions 660 is located inward of the locking
portion 250 in the orthogonal direction as shown in FIG. 17, and
each of the supporting portions 220 presses the locking portion 250
against the mating locking portion 660. Moreover, in this first
mated state, the locking portion 250 is pressed against the mating
locking portion 660 via the intersecting surfaces 252 and 663 and
applies a rearward force in the front-rear direction on the mating
locking portion 660. In addition, in this first mated state, the
abutment portion 632 of the mating connector 600 is located forward
of the receiving portion 192 of the connector 100 in the front-rear
direction. Here, as described above, the relative positions of the
mating locking portion 660 and the abutment portion 632 are fixed
in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the rearward force
applied on the mating locking portion 660 is transmitted to the
abutment portion 632. However, the abutment portion 632 of the
mating connector 600 is located forward of the receiving portion
192 of the connector 100 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly,
the abutment portion 632 cannot be moved rearward beyond the
receiving portion 192 owing to the receiving portion 192. In other
words, in the first mated state, the abutment portion 632 of the
mating connector 600 is brought into abutment with the receiving
portion 192 of the connector 100 by the rearward force applied on
the mating locking portion 660, and movement thereof beyond the
receiving portion 192 is regulated by the receiving portion 192.
Accordingly, the connector device 10 of the present embodiment is
structured so that the connector 100 is not moved with respect to
the mating connector 600 in the front-rear direction even if an
external force in the front-rear direction is applied on the
connector 100 or the mating connector 600 in the first mated
state.
[0152] In particular, as described above, in the connector device
10 of the present embodiment, the locking portions 250 (see FIGS. 7
and 8) are arranged in the circumferential direction R about the
axis AX at regular intervals, and all the intersecting surfaces 252
of the locking portions 250 are the parts of the conical surface
having the center on the axis AX. Accordingly, when the connector
100 and the mating connector 600 are mated with each other, a
resultant force of forces acting on the intersecting surfaces 252
of the locking portions 250 consists of only components of the
front-rear direction because components of the forces acting on the
intersecting surfaces 252 in directions perpendicular to the axis
AX are canceled. Therefore, in this first mated state, no axis
misalignment between the connector 100 and the mating connector 600
will occur.
[0153] In this first mated state, the front-rear-movement regulated
portions 270 of the locking member 200 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and the
front-rear-movement regulating portions 160 of the connector body
150 (see FIG. 5) are in contact with each other. In more detail, in
this first mated state, each of the locking portions 250 of the
connector 100 (see FIG. 17) applies the rearward force on the
mating locking portion 660 of the mating connector 600 (see FIG.
17) and receives a forward force from the mating locking portion
660 as a reaction force. Owing to the forward force received by the
locking portions 250, the front-rear-movement regulated portion 270
is pressed against the front-rear-movement regulating portion 160,
and relative movement between the locking member 200 and the
connector body 150 is regulated.
[0154] In this first mated state, the retaining member 440 is
positioned in the second position. At this time, as shown in FIG.
19, each of the platform-shaped-supporting portions 292 is located
in the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 480
and located near the inner side surface 482 in the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 20, each
of the regulating portions 280 is located in the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 and between the
protruding portion 458 and the first inner surface 452 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In other words, the
regulating portion 280 is located in the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 and located near the
first inner surface 452 in the circumferential direction R. And,
the first regulating surface 282 of the regulating portion 280
faces or is in contact with the first inner surface 452. With this
structure, the movement of the retaining member 440 beyond the
second position in the first turning direction is regulated.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, each of the additional resilience
portions 420 is located in the
additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portion 442. At this
time, the additional resilience portion 420 is not in contact with
the retaining member 440. Accordingly, the additional resilience
portion 420 is not resiliently deformed nor presses the supporting
portion 220. In other words, at this time, a maintained state
caused by the maintaining mechanism 400 is cancelled.
[0155] In this first mated state, the terminal 500 of the connector
100 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the mating terminal 700 of the
mating electric connector 612 of the mating connector body 610 of
the mating connector 600 (see FIG. 3). In other words, in the first
mated state, the connector device 10 has an electrical contact
between the terminal 500 of the connector 100 and the mating
terminal 700 of the mating connector 600.
[0156] Upon moving the retaining member 440 in the second turning
direction with respect to the locking member 200 from the first
mated state shown in FIG. 17, each of the protruding portions 458
of the retaining member 440 (see FIG. 20) is guided by the guide
portion 290 of the regulating portion 280 of the locking member 200
(see FIG. 20) and moved on the regulating portion 280 of the
locking member 200 (see FIG. 20). Simultaneously, each of the
inclined surfaces 444 of the retaining member 440 (see FIG. 21) is
brought into abutment with the chamfer 424 of the additional
resilience portion 420 of the locking member 200 (see FIG. 21). The
chamfer 424 guides movement of the retaining member 44 in the
second turning direction and prevents the supporting portion 220
from twisting.
[0157] After that, upon further moving the retaining member 440
with respect to the locking member 200 in the second turning
direction, the connector 100 and the mating connector 600 come into
a second mated state (a mated state) shown in FIGS. 22 to 25. At
this time, the retaining member 440 is positioned in the first
position. Moreover, in the second mated state that the connector
100 and the mating connector 600 are mated with each other, the
mating connector 600 is positioned forward of the connector 100 in
the front-rear direction.
[0158] In the second mated state, each of the
platform-shaped-supporting portions 292 is located near the inner
side surface 484 of the
platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 480 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX as shown in FIG. 26.
Moreover, each of the regulating portions 280 is located between
the protruding portion 458 and the second inner surface 454 of the
regulating-portion-accommodation portion 450 in the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX as shown in FIG. 27. The second
regulating surface 284 of the regulating portion 280 faces or is in
contact with the second inner surface 454. Accordingly, the
movement of the retaining member 440 beyond the first position in
the second turning direction is regulated. On the other hand, each
of the protruding portions 458 is in contact with the provisional
regulating portion 288 in the first turning direction, and the
provisional regulating portion 288 provisionally regulates the
movement of the retaining member 440 in the first turning
direction. Moreover, each of the inclined surfaces 444 of the
retaining member 440 rides over the chamfer 424 of the additional
resilience portion 420 and is located outward of the pressed
portion 423 in the radial direction as shown in FIG. 28.
Furthermore, each of the pressing portions 446 of the retaining
member 440 is positioned outward of the pressed portion 423 in the
radial direction. The pressing portion 446 is in contact with the
pressed portion 423 and presses the pressed portion 423 inward in
the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, a state that the additional
resilience portion 420 is resiliently deformed inward in the
orthogonal direction is maintained. The additional resilience
portion 420 lies between the retaining member 440 and the
supporting portion 220 (see FIGS. 24 and 27) and applies a force
directed inward on the supporting portions 220. In this way, the
additional resilience portion 420 presses the supporting portion
220 to form a maintain state that pressing of the locking portion
250 to the mating locking portion 660 is maintained. Thus,
according to the present embodiment, a maintain means which is
distinct and separated from the connector 100 is unnecessary.
[0159] In this second mated state, as understood from FIG. 24, each
of the depressed portions 650 of the mating projecting portion 640
of the mating shell 630 of the mating connector body 610 of the
mating connector 600 receives the corresponding projecting portion
240 of the connector 100 at least in part, and the intersecting
surface 662 of the mating locking portion 660 of the bulge portion
645 is located rearward of the projecting portion 240. Here, the
projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is in contact with the
depressed portion 650 of the mating connector 600 via the
intersecting surfaces 252 and 662. However, the inner surface 242
of the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is not in
contact with the bottom surface 652 of the depressed portion 650 of
the mating connector 600 in the orthogonal direction. The front end
of the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is not in
contact with the front surface 658 of the depressed portion 650 of
the mating connector 600 in the front-rear direction. In other
words, the projecting portion 240 of the connector 100 is in
contact with the depressed portion 650 of the mating connector 600
only via the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662. In addition, the
supporting portion 220 of the connector 100 is not in contact with
the outer surface 647 of the bulge portion 645 of the mating
connector 600 in the orthogonal direction.
[0160] Moreover, in this second mated state, each of the supporting
portions 220 of the connector 100 does not return to the original
shape shown in FIG. 3 but remains resiliently deformed. Moreover,
as shown in FIG. 24, the receiving portion 192 of the connector 100
and the abutment portion 632 of the mating shell 630 of the mating
connector body 610 of the mating connector 600 are in contact with
each other.
[0161] In more detail, in this second mated state, as shown in FIG.
24, each of the mating locking portions 660 is located inward of
the locking portion 250 in the orthogonal direction, and each of
the supporting portions 220 presses the locking portion 250 against
the mating locking portion 660. Moreover, in this second mated
state, the locking portion 250 is pressed against the mating
locking portion 660 via the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662 owing
to resilience of the supporting portion 220 and applies the
rearward force on the mating locking portion 660 in the front-rear
direction. In addition, in this second mated state, the abutment
portion 632 of the mating connector 600 is located forward of the
receiving portion 192 of the connector 100 in the front-rear
direction. Here, as described above, the relative positions of the
mating locking portion 660 and the abutment portion 632 in the
front-rear direction are fixed. Accordingly, the rearward force
applied on the mating locking portion 660 is transmitted to the
abutment portion 632. However, the abutment portion 632 of the
mating connector 600 is located forward of the receiving portion
192 of the connector 100 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly,
the abutment portion 632 cannot be moved beyond the receiving
portion 192 owing to the receiving portion 192. In other words, in
this second mated state, the abutment portion 632 of the mating
connector 600 is brought into abutment with the receiving portion
192 of the connector 100 by the rearward force applied on the
mating locking portion 660, and rearward movement thereof beyond
the receiving portion 192 is regulated by the receiving portion
192. Accordingly, the connector device 10 according to the present
embodiment is structured so that the connector 100 is not moved
with respect to the mating connector 600 even if an external force
is applied on the connector 100 or the mating connector 600 in the
front-rear direction in the second mated state.
[0162] In particular, as described above, in the connector device
10 of the present embodiment, the locking portions 250 (see FIGS. 7
and 8) are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential
direction R about the axis AX, and all the intersecting surfaces
252 of the locking portions 250 are the parts of the conical
surface having the center on the axis AX. Accordingly, when the
connector 100 and the mating connector 600 are mated with each
other, the resultant force of the forces acting on the intersecting
surfaces 252 of the locking portions 250 consists of the only
components of the front-rear direction because the components of
the forces acting on the intersecting surfaces 252 in directions
perpendicular to the axis AX are canceled. Therefore, in this
second mated state, no axis misalignment between the connector 100
and the mating connector 600 will occur.
[0163] In this second mated state, each of the front-rear-movement
regulated portions 270 of the locking member 200 (see FIGS. 7 and
8) and the front-rear-movement regulating portion 160 of the
connector body 150 (see FIG. 5) are in contact with each other. In
more detail, in this second mated state, when the locking portion
250 of the connector 100 (see FIG. 24) applies the rearward force
on the mating locking portion 660 of the mating connector 600, the
locking portion 250 receives the forward force as the reaction
force from the mating locking portion 660. The front-rear-movement
regulated portion 270 is pressed against the
front-rear-movement-regulating portion 160 by the forward force
received by the locking portion 250, and the relative movement
between the locking member 200 and the connector body 150 is
regulated.
[0164] In this second mated state, as shown in FIG. 28, each of the
pressing portions 446 of the retaining member 440 is located
outward of the pressed portion 423 in the orthogonal direction and
presses the pressed portion 423 to maintain the state that the
supporting portion 220 (see FIG. 24) presses the locking portion
250 (see FIG. 24) against the mating locking portion 660 (FIG. 24).
In this way, the retaining member 440 and the additional resilience
portions 420 form the maintaining mechanism 400. Moreover, in this
second mated state, as shown in FIG. 24, each of the additional
resilience portions 420 is located between the supporting portion
220 and the retaining member 440 and applies an inward force on the
supporting portion 220 in the orthogonal direction.
[0165] In more detail, in this second mated state, as shown in FIG.
24, the pressing portion 446 of the retaining member 440 is in
contact with the pressed portion 423 of the additional resilience
portion 420 of the locking member 200 and presses the additional
resilience portion 420 of the locking member 200 from outside in
the orthogonal direction.
[0166] In this second mated state, the terminal 500 of the
connector 100 (FIG. 3) is connected to the mating terminal 700 of
the mating electric connector 612 of the mating connector body 610
of the mating connector 600 (FIG. 3). In other words, in the second
mated state, the connector device 10 has an electrical contact
between the terminal 500 of the connector 100 and the mating
terminal 700 of the mating connector 600.
Mating Release Operation
[0167] In a case to release mating of the connector 100 and the
mating connector 600 in the connector device 10, just carry out a
reverse operation of the mating operation of the connector 100 and
the mating connector 600.
Second Embodiment
[0168] Referring to FIG. 29, a connector device 10A according to a
second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a
mating connector 600 and a connector 100A. Difference between the
connector device 10A and the connector device 10 according to the
first embodiment is in a point that the connector 100A is provided
with a maintained-state-holding mechanism 550. In other points, the
connector device 10A and the connector device 10 are in common with
each other. Accordingly, the description of them will be
omitted.
[0169] Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, a locking member 200A of the
connector device 10A is provided with an additional supporting
portion 552 and a subsidiary resilient piece 554. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto. The locking member 200A
may not have the subsidiary resilient piece 554.
[0170] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the additional supporting
portion 552 and the subsidiary resilient piece 554 are located
between adjacent two of the supporting portions 220 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the
additional supporting portion 552 and the subsidiary resilient
piece 554 are located rearward of a regulating portion 280A in the
front-rear direction. Additionally, the regulating portion 280A is
smaller than other regulating portions 280 in size in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
[0171] As understood from FIGS. 30 and 31, the additional
supporting portion 552 is a resilient piece having a
cantilever-shape extending in the second turning direction.
Moreover, the subsidiary resilient piece 554 is a resilient piece
having a cantilever-shape extending in the first turning direction.
Each of the additional supporting portion 552 and the subsidiary
resilient piece 554 has resilience, and a tip portion thereof is
movable at least in the orthogonal direction. The tip portion of
the additional supporting portion 552 and the tip portion of the
subsidiary resilient piece 554 overlap with each other when viewed
along the orthogonal direction. In detail, in the orthogonal
direction, the tip of the additional supporting portion 552 is
located slightly apart from and outward of the tip portion of the
subsidiary resilient piece 554. In other words, the subsidiary
resilient piece 554 is located inward of the additional supporting
portion 552 at least in part in the orthogonal direction. However,
the present invention is not limited thereto. The additional
supporting portion 552 may be formed to have a both ends supported
beam shape. In that case, the subsidiary resilient piece 554 is
unnecessary. However, when operationality, a displacement amount
and durability of the additional supporting portion 552 are
considered, it is desirable to combine the additional supporting
portion 552 having the cantilever-shape and the subsidiary
resilient piece 554.
[0172] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the tip portion of the
additional supporting portion 552 is provided with an operated
portion 556. In the present embodiment, the operated portion 556 is
a surface of the tip portion of the additional supporting portion
552, wherein the surface is a plane surface including a part
perpendicular to the orthogonal direction. The operated portion 556
is directed outward in the orthogonal direction. When the operated
portion 556 is pressed inward in the orthogonal direction, the
additional supporting portion 552 is resiliently deformed. Then,
the tip portion of the additional supporting portion 552 is moved
inward in the orthogonal direction. When movement of the tip
portion of the additional supporting portion 552 becomes large, the
tip portion of the additional supporting portion 552 is brought
into abutment with the tip portion of the subsidiary resilient
piece 554. Accordingly, the additional supporting portion 552 is
prevented from being excessively deformed.
[0173] As understood from FIGS. 30 and 31, the additional
supporting portion 552 has an extremity surface 558 directed in the
second turning direction in the circumferential direction R about
the axis AX. The extremity surface 558 functions as a third
regulating portion 558 as described later. In other words, the
locking member 200A is provided with the third regulating portion
558. The third regulating portion 558 is supported by the
additional supporting portion 552 to be movable at least in the
orthogonal direction. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. The third regulating portion 558 may be a protruding
portion provided to the additional supporting portion 552.
[0174] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the locking member 200A is
provided with leg accommodation portions 560 and 562. Each of the
leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 is adjacent to the
additional supporting portion 552 in the front-rear direction. The
additional supporting portion 552 is located between the leg
accommodation portions 560 and 562 in the front-rear direction. The
leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 accommodate two leg portions
584 and 586 (see FIG. 37) of an operation member 580 (see FIG. 29),
respectively, and allow movement of the leg portions 584 and 586 in
the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In the present
embodiment, the leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 communicate
with each other in the front-rear direction. In detail, each of the
leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 communicates with a space
located inward of the additional supporting portion 552 and the
subsidiary resilient piece 554 in the orthogonal direction.
However, the leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 may not
communicate with each other. However, when the leg accommodation
portions 560 and 562 communicate with each other, manufacture of
the locking member 200A by molding can be easily carried out.
[0175] Referring to FIGS. 32 to 34, a retaining member 440A is
provided with a window portion 570. The window portion 570 has a
rectangular shape when viewed along the orthogonal direction. The
window portion 570 is provided in a place corresponding to the
additional supporting portion 552 of the locking member 200A (see
FIGS. 30 and 31). In detail, the window portion 570 is provided to
a rear end portion of the retaining member 440A in the front-rear
direction. To the window portion 570, the operation member 580 (see
FIG. 29) is attached. In other words, the connector 100A is
provided with the operation member 580.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 34, the retaining member 440A is provided
with an additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 and
a subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation portion 574. The
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 is adjacent
to the window portion 570 in the circumferential direction R about
the axis AX. Moreover, the subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation
portion 574 is adjacent to the
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 is located
between the window portion 570 and the
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 in the
circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 34, one of edge portions forming the window
portion 570 is formed to be thick. In more detail, an edge portion
576, which is directed in the first turning direction, among the
edge portions of the window portion 570 is formed to be thick. The
edge portion 576 is located between the window portion 570 and the
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572. The edge
portion 576 functions as a third regulated portion 576 as described
later. In other words, the retaining member 440A is provided with
the third regulated portion 576.
[0178] As shown in FIG. 37, the operation member 580 has an
operation portion 582 and two leg portions 584 and 586. The leg
portions 584 and 586 are located apart from each other in the
front-rear direction. Moreover, the leg portions 584 and 586 are
provided with hook portions 588 and 590, respectively, which
protrude outward in the front-rear direction. The operation member
580 is attached to the window portion 570 of the retaining member
440A (see FIG. 32) so as to be movable in the orthogonal direction.
Each of the leg portions 584 and 586 has a length enough to be
moved in the orthogonal direction in a state that the operation
member 580 is attached to the window portion 570. Moreover, the
hook portions 588 and 590 prevent the operation member 580 from
being detached from the window portion 570.
[0179] As shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, the operation member 580 is
disposed to extend over the additional supporting portion 552 in
the front-rear direction. In other words, the additional supporting
portion 552 is located between the leg portions 584 and 586 in the
front-rear direction. The operation member 580 is located outward
of the additional supporting portion 552 in the orthogonal
direction at least in part. Upon moving the retaining member 440A
(see FIG. 29) in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX,
the operation portion 582 of the operation member 580 is moved
outside the additional supporting portion 552 in the orthogonal
direction. Moreover, the leg portions 584 and 586 of the operation
member 580 are moved in the leg accommodation portions 560 and 562,
respectively. The leg accommodation portions 560 and 562 allow
movement of the retaining member 440A between the first position
and the second position by allowing movement of the leg portions
584 and 586.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 38, when the retaining member 440A is
positioned in the second position, the tip end portion of the
additional supporting portion 552 is accommodated in the
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 in part.
Moreover, the subsidiary resilient piece 554 is accommodated in the
subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation portion 574 in part. At
this time, the operation member 580 is positioned near a rear end
portion of the additional supporting portion 552. In other words,
the operation member 580 is apart from the operated portion 556 in
the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 39, when the retaining member 440A is
positioned in the first position, the tip end portion of the
additional supporting portion 552 is positioned outside the
additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion 572 and enters
in the window portion 570 (see FIGS. 32 and 34) in part. At this
time, the extremity surface 558 of the additional supporting
portion 552 faces or is in contact with the edge portion 576 of the
window portion 570 in the circumferential direction R about the
axis AX. In other words, when the retaining member 440A is
positioned in the first position, the third regulated portion 576
is in contact with or faces the third regulating portion 558 in the
first turning direction. Accordingly, movement of the retaining
member 440A from the first position toward the second position in
the first turning direction is regulated. Thus, the extremity
surface 558 of the additional supporting portion 552 functions as
the third regulating portion 558 which regulates the movement of
the retaining member 440A in the first turning direction. The edge
portion 576 of the window portion 570 functions as the third
regulated portion 576. Thus, the additional supporting portion 552
and the window portion 570 function as the maintained-state-holding
mechanism 550 which maintains a state that the retaining member
440A is positioned in the first position.
[0182] As shown in FIG. 39. when the retaining member 440A is
positioned in the first position, the operation portion 582 of the
operation member 580 is positioned outward of the operated portion
556 of the additional supporting portion 552 in the orthogonal
direction. At this time, the additional supporting portion 552 is
in contact with the operation portion 582 of the operation member
580. In detail, the additional supporting portion 552 presses the
operation member 580 outward in the orthogonal direction by a
reaction force.
[0183] As understood from FIG. 39, the operation portion 582 of the
operation member 580 is moved inward in the orthogonal direction
when receiving an inward force in the orthogonal direction.
Accordingly, the operated portion 556 of the additional supporting
portion 552 receives an inward force in the orthogonal direction
from the operation portion 582. In other words, the operation
portion 582 presses the operated portion 556 inward in the
orthogonal direction when receiving the inward force in the
orthogonal direction. When the operated portion 556 receives the
inward force in the orthogonal direction, the additional supporting
portion 552 is resiliently deformed. When the extremity surface 558
of the additional supporting portion 552 is positioned inward of
the edge portion 576 of the window portion 570 in the orthogonal
direction as a result, the retaining member 440A becomes movable in
the first turning direction. In this way, regulation made by the
third regulating portion 558 and the third regulated portion 576 on
the movement of the retaining member 440A in the first turning
direction is released.
[0184] Although the specific explanation about the present
invention is made above referring to the embodiments, the present
invention is not limited thereto but susceptible of various
modifications.
[0185] Although the connector device 10 of the first embodiment has
the electrical contact between the terminal 500 of the connector
100 and the mating terminal 700 of the mating connector 600, the
present invention is applicable to an optical connector device
having no electrical contact. If there is a space when an optical
connector and a mating optical connector are mated with each other
in the optical connector device, there is possibility that the
optical connector is moved with respect to the mating optical
connector in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, there is a
possibility that dust, such as shavings, is produced and that
connection characteristics of the optical connector device are
degraded. However, by applying the present invention to the optical
connector device, these problems can be avoided.
[0186] The connector device 10 of the first embodiment is provided
with no coupling nut for maintaining the mated state between the
connector 100 and the mating connector 600. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. The connector device 10 may be
provided with a coupling nut for maintaining the mated state
between the connector 100 and the mating connector 600.
[0187] The maintaining mechanism 400 of the connector device 10 of
the first embodiment is provided with the additional resilience
portions 420. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. The maintaining mechanism 400 may be provided with a
rising part rising inward in the orthogonal direction on an inner
surface of the retaining member 440 in place of the additional
resilience portion 420 and may be formed so that the rising part of
the retaining member 440 suppresses outward movement of the locking
portions 250 of the locking member 200 in the orthogonal direction.
Here, the part provided on the inner surface of the retaining
member 440 and rising inward in the orthogonal direction may be
formed so that an elastic body, such as a ring-shape rubber, is
adhered on the inner surface of the retaining member 440 and
functions similarly to the additional resilience portions 420.
Moreover, in a case where the connector device 10 is provided with
the aforementioned coupling nut, instead of providing the
maintaining mechanism 400, a part rising inward in the orthogonal
direction may be provided on an inner surface of the coupling nut,
and the rising part of the coupling nut may suppress outward
movement of the locking portions 250 of the locking member 200 in
the orthogonal direction.
[0188] In the connector device 10 of the first embodiment, in each
of the first mated state and the second mated state, the mating
locking portion 660 is positioned inward of the locking portion 250
in the orthogonal direction, and the maintaining mechanism 400 is
positioned outward of the supporting portion 220 in the orthogonal
direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
In other words, in each of the first mated state and the second
mated state, the mating locking portion 660 may be positioned
outward of the locking portion 250 in the orthogonal direction, and
the maintaining mechanism 400 may be positioned inward of the
supporting portions 220 in the orthogonal direction.
[0189] In the connector device 10 of the first embodiment, the
intersecting surfaces 252 and 662 are provided to both of the
locking portion 250 and the mating locking portion 660. However,
the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the
locking portion 250 and the mating locking portion 660 may have the
intersecting surface 252 or 662 intersecting with both of the
front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. However, in the
case where both of the locking portion 250 and the mating locking
portion 660 have the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662 like the
present embodiment, one of the intersecting surfaces 252 and 662 is
in point or line contact with the other even if the intersecting
surfaces 252 and 662 have manufacturing variations and/or abrasion.
Accordingly, a force is certainly transmitted between the locking
portion 250 and the mating locking portion 660. Therefore, it is
more preferably.
[0190] In the connector device 10 of the first embodiment, each of
the locking member 200 and the retaining member 440 is formed to be
mirror images with respect to the axis AX. However, the locking
member 200 and the retaining member 440 may be formed not to be
mirror images. For example, by making different in size between one
of the four platform-shaped supporting portions 292 and the
remaining of the platform-shaped supporting portions 292, it is
possible to attach the retaining member 440 to the locking member
200 in only a predetermined direction. Accordingly, assembling
errors are prevented.
[0191] The present invention is based on Japanese Patent
Application No. 2018-241233 filed on Dec. 25, 2018, and the
contents of which forms a part of the present specification by
reference.
[0192] While there has been described what is believed to be the
preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art
will recognize that other and further modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it
is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true
scope of the invention.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0193] 10,10A connector device
[0194] 100,100A connector
[0195] 150 connector body
[0196] 160 front-rear-movement regulating portion (rear
surface)
[0197] 170 optical module
[0198] 174 electric connector
[0199] 180 holding member
[0200] 181 insertion portion
[0201] 183 protrusion
[0202] 187 optical module accommodation portion
[0203] 190 protruding portion
[0204] 192 front surface (receiving portion)
[0205] 200,200A locking member
[0206] 205 sidewall
[0207] 210 slit
[0208] 212 slit pair
[0209] 220 supporting portion
[0210] 240 projecting portion
[0211] 242 inner surface
[0212] 250 locking portion
[0213] 252 intersecting surface
[0214] 270 front-rear-movement regulated portion
[0215] 280,280A regulating portion
[0216] 282 first regulating surface (first regulating portion)
[0217] 284,284A second regulating surface (second regulating
portion)
[0218] 286 front surface (fourth regulating portion)
[0219] 288 provisional regulating portion
[0220] 290 guide portion
[0221] 292,292A platform-shaped supporting portion
[0222] 294,296 side surface
[0223] 300 optical connector
[0224] 310 protruding portion
[0225] 312 rear surface(fifth regulating portion)
[0226] 400 maintaining mechanism
[0227] 420 additional resilience portion
[0228] 422 connection portion
[0229] 423 pressed portion
[0230] 424 chamfer
[0231] 440,440A retaining member
[0232] 442 additional-resilience-portion accommodation portion
[0233] 444 inclined surface
[0234] 446 pressing portion
[0235] 450,450A regulating-portion accommodation
portion(accommodation portion)
[0236] 452 first inner surface(first regulated portion)
[0237] 454 second inner surface(second regulated portion)
[0238] 456 front surface (fourth regulated portion)
[0239] 458 protruding portion(holding mechanism)
[0240] 460 groove
[0241] 462 rear surface (fifth regulated portion)
[0242] 480 platform-shaped-supporting portion accommodation
portion
[0243] 482,484 inner side surface
[0244] 500 terminal
[0245] 550 maintained state holding mechanism
[0246] 552 additional supporting portion
[0247] 556 operated portion
[0248] 558 extremity surface(third regulating portion)
[0249] 560,562 the leg accommodation portions 560 and 562
[0250] 554 subsidiary resilient piece
[0251] 570 window portion
[0252] 572 additional-supporting portion accommodation portion
[0253] 574 subsidiary-resilient-piece accommodation portion
[0254] 576 the edge portions(third regulated portion)
[0255] 580 operation member
[0256] 582 operation portion
[0257] 584,586 leg portion
[0258] 588,590 hook portion
[0259] 600 mating connector
[0260] 610 mating connector body
[0261] 612 mating electric connector
[0262] 630 mating shell
[0263] 631 mating shell body
[0264] 632 abutment portion
[0265] 640 mating projecting portion
[0266] 645 bulge portion
[0267] 647 outer surface
[0268] 650 depressed portion
[0269] 652 bottom surface
[0270] 658 front surface
[0271] 660 mating locking portion
[0272] 662 intersecting surface(rear surface, end face)
[0273] 670 fixing screw
[0274] 680 connector accommodation portion
[0275] 682 opening portion
[0276] 700 mating terminal
[0277] 750 optical fiber cable
[0278] 800 case
[0279] 810 circuit board
[0280] AX axis
[0281] R circumferential direction
[0282] D distance
* * * * *